SAS set to strike at anytime at 11/4, so back them to hurt Hammers

Liverpool, 2/1 shots for the Premier League title, are on a mission. Details are undisclosed, though two of their deadliest recruits are delivering in lethal fashion.

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, codename SAS are arguably the Premier League’s most effective attacking duo, and can break down defences, snare opportunities and pounce with panache. The results, as have been demonstrated, are clinical.

Just one off sharing a half century of goals between them this season in the league, they are both competing for top spot. The stats, although variable, are academic. They may well tell different stories, though the outcome is the same. Suarez is out in front with 29 goals in 27 appearances. Sturridge has netted 20 in 24.

Against a West Ham side with little else but pride to play for, Liverpool’s debrief will be delivered with the same consistency as it has been all season. Manager Brendan Rodgers may well know his way around complicated tactics, and the intricacies of the game, though his message appears to be simple. Keep the ball, create opportunities, hit the target. And the SAS nearly always do that.

Currently one point behind Chelsea with a game in hand, anything less than three points against the Hammers will hand momentum to their rivals in the title chase.

Encouragingly for the Reds, Liverpool have recorded 15 wins, and four draws in their last 21 meetings with the east London club, and only failed to score once in their last 10 league visits to Upton Park.

Today will be a case of the ugly versus the beautiful. West Ham fans have been crying out to see good football played in recent weeks, despite winning six of their last nine.

They may well get their wish, though with Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling et al providing ammunition to the SAS, it is likely to be bittersweet.